By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Some bittersweet news today, as we've learned that Global Toy News will return to publication in 2024. The unique publication shut down temporarily after the death of its founder, Richard Gottlieb, in late October. Gottlieb was founder of both Global Toy News and the consultancy firm Global Toy Expert, and he was certainly … [Read more...] about Global Toy News Will Return in 2024 After Death of Founder
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Care Bears Bring The Love To Global Partnership With MINISO
By Gary Symons TLL Editor inChief MINISO, the China-based retailer known for its trendy and affordable products, has announced a global partnership with Care Bears. The collaboration is set to enchant fans worldwide with an expansive Care Bears-themed product line, adding a sprinkle of nostalgia and joy to MINISO's offerings. Care Bears from Cloudco is, of course, a … [Read more...] about Care Bears Bring The Love To Global Partnership With MINISO
Universal Music Places Big Bet on A Musical Metaverse
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Universal Music Group has just launched a massive new metaverse project on Roblox, in partnership with virtual world developer Supersocial. The two companies collaborated on the creation of Beat Galaxy, which they describe as "an innovative new music hub on Roblox, the immersive platform for communication and connection." In doing … [Read more...] about Universal Music Places Big Bet on A Musical Metaverse
The Grinch Podcast Greenlit for Second Festive Season
TLL Staff Following a stellar debut season, the podcast streamer Wondery announced it is greenlighting a second season of its breakout hit ‘Tis The Grinch Holiday Podcast. “The Grinch told me that he found being a talk show host was a surprisingly satisfying experience!" said Marshall Lewy, Chief Content Officer for Wondery. "Sure he was a curmudgeon on set, but ‘Tis The … [Read more...] about The Grinch Podcast Greenlit for Second Festive Season
Not So Merry Xmas As Hasbro Announces Massive Layoff
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief It's going to be a bleak holiday season at Hasbro, as the toy giant announced layoffs for 1,100 workers, and closed its office in Providence, RI. Hasbro says it is taking necessary steps stem losses and prepare for a recovery by making a second major workforce reduction. The layoffs now being announced follows a previous round of cuts … [Read more...] about Not So Merry Xmas As Hasbro Announces Massive Layoff
Real Life ‘Joker’ Threatens Lawsuit For Use of His Likeness in GTA 6
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief A Florida man who tattooed his face to resemble the DC character The Joker says the Grand Theft Auto game used his likeness in a promotional trailer. Lawrence Sullivan is demanding millions in damages, claiming video game studio Rockstar Games used his likeness in a recent trailer for the latest instalment of the massively popular … [Read more...] about Real Life ‘Joker’ Threatens Lawsuit For Use of His Likeness in GTA 6
CBC News Investigation Alleges Artificial Intelligence Violated Author’s Copyright
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief (Disclosure: The writer of this article was formerly a member of the Investigative Unit at CBC News, ending in 2008) An investigation by CBC News says the work of Canadian authors were shared online as part of a dataset used for training artificial intelligence software. The Canadian broadcaster found that at least 2,500 copyrighted books … [Read more...] about CBC News Investigation Alleges Artificial Intelligence Violated Author’s Copyright
Jazwares Acquires Australian Toy Distribution Company
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Jazwares has acquired the Australian toy distribution company Big Balloon as part of its continued strategy for global expansion."The company’s leadership, combined with the cultural alignment and our mutual passion for brands, made this the natural evolution for both our businesses," said Big Balloon co-founder, Chris Loverso. "As team … [Read more...] about Jazwares Acquires Australian Toy Distribution Company
A Goodbye Kiss Heralds the Arrival of Kiss Virtual Avatars
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The venerable glam rock band Kiss has played their final concert, but announced the band will live on indefinitely as digitized avatars. The quartet that rose from New York City decades ago returned home to play their final live concerts over the weekend at Madison Square Garden, capping a half-century of rocking all night and … [Read more...] about A Goodbye Kiss Heralds the Arrival of Kiss Virtual Avatars
Brave Bunnies’ Licensing Deals Multiply Like, Well, Bunnies
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter WildBrain has secured several international distribution deals for the animated preschool series, Brave Bunnies.Created by Olga Cherepanova, Brave Bunnies follows an adorable bunny family as they visit friends and travel the world in their Bunny Bus."With Brave Bunnies, I wanted to create a series that would encourage children to be curious … [Read more...] about Brave Bunnies’ Licensing Deals Multiply Like, Well, Bunnies